Distributor Question

[fred93]

I have read the posts for the pros & cons for new or original points sets, but I have a simple question (I hope).

Is the upper plate only grounded by the center spring that pushes up on the upper plate and by the tabs on the upper plate that rides in the distributor housing?

There is no wire that connects the upper plate to ground?

[leo]

I believe you are correct. But I will defer to those more knowledgeable than myself.

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by fred93

I have read the posts for the pros & cons for new or original points sets, but I have a simple question (I hope).

Is the upper plate only grounded by the center spring that pushes up on the upper plate and by the tabs on the upper plate that rides in the distributor housing?

There is no wire that connects the upper plate to ground?

You are correct. Plus the spark timing advance/retard rod that connects from the breaker plate to the steering column adds another ground path. Seems to be enough.

[Big hammer]

Is there a ground from the plate to inside the body where the plate rotates! I’ve read when painting the body keep the channel free of paint.

[1crosscut]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

Is there a ground from the plate to inside the body where the plate rotates! I’ve read when painting the body keep the channel free of paint.

I have a piece of plastic insulated multi strand wire cut to the right length to fill the slot when I paint a distributor. Not sure what gauge it is but it works slick as a whistle to keep the slot free of paint.

[fred93]

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Thanks for all your replies. I guess my analytical mind was telling me that there needs to be a more positive way to connect that movable upper plate to a ground. I checked the upper plate out with an ohm meter and there does not seem to be a problem--it just seems like a possible problem area. Oh well!

[Tom Wesenberg]

I've never seen a ground problem in the upper plate.
I have seen ground problems when the mounting hole in the head has rust, even though there are other grounding paths also.